At the beginning of 2009, the Centre on Philanthropy asked charities how they felt they would be affected by the economic downturn. In another survey at the beginning of this year, and with the recent violence in mind, the Centre asked 'What do you hope the non-profit sector is able to accomplish in 2010? What do you think the non-profit sector needs to do in order to truly tackle the social issues Bermuda is facing?'

These are some of the answers:

Brian Madeiros, Vice-Chair of The Centre on Philanthropy and President of Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty said: "We must honestly define what the problem is. Some say that crime, drugs, unemployment, and housing aren't problems but rather symptoms of a problem — possibly a deteriorating family structure. (If this is the case) I hope the non-profit sector will continue to work with those Bermudian families that are at risk and requiring assistance."

Major Doug Lewis, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army, stated: "We need to educate the donors. The majority of people give according to knowledge and not according to their means. In other words, we need to get the message out there of what the need really is.

"We need to avoid duplication. There certainly are enough social ills to go around so that we can spread out rather than tripping over each other."

David Lang, director of The Bank of Bermuda Foundation said: "Non-profit organisations and Government need to communicate with each other and work together to share the limited available resources, in order to maximise the possible community benefit."

Tina Nash, National Director of The Duke of Edinburgh Award for Bermuda, said: "It is my hope that we all work to support the healthy development of our Young People and by extension our community. To do this with integrity, honesty and transparency, we MUST ALL include their voice, their perspective and their input into every decision we make on their behalf. Too often adults believe we know what is best for Young People, without ever having consulted them.

"We must ask ourselves, 'What do Young People want and need from us to support their healthy development and why don't we provide it, or if we do why don't they know about it? What are their concerns about their future?' I encourage all to organise activities that promote an increased understanding of the importance and benefits of Youth participation in all aspects of our society."